Canada brings tempered optimism to Nafta talks

Ottawa

CANADA enters crucial talks in Washington on the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) this week with a complex mix of self-confidence and dread about possible damage to its most important trading relationship.

The country's economy and currency are showing surprising strength, and Canadians are basking in the attention being showered on them and their popular prime minister, Justin Trudeau, in the United States and elsewhere.

Mr Trudeau has not been immune to criticism at home, but he is credited with using his considerable charm to build a positive relatio…